Today is the 14th Anniversary of Dhiraagu, marking the end one of the most successful years in Dhiraagu's history in terms of the number of major new products and services introduced and the significant and tangible cost savings offered to customers.

Major improvements were also made in the customer management and after-sales support provided to customers.

With strategic guidance from the Board of Directors and with specific input from Customer Workshops held last year, Dhiraagu had produced and implemented a 3-Year Vision. As part of this vision major tariffs reductions were made on all key services including up to 51% reduction in international call charges.

In addition, the basis of our billing has been changed with the introduction of 6-second billing in January and 1-second billing in July 2002. These have meant substantial savings in the cost of communications for our customers.

During the period, we have also seen unprecedented growth in the GSM Mobile service, with nearly 35,000 customers (both Post-Paid and Pre-Paid) registered on the service now.

Over the last year, DhiMobile coverage was extended to an additional 31 islands. Now mobile service is rendered to all 88 resorts and 54 inhabited islands in 13 atolls covering 49% of the population.

Recognizing the importance of the Internet to a country such as the Maldives, a wider range of services were introduced to provide faster and convenient access - Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) in December 2001, DhivehiNet Pre-Paid service in July 2002 and DhivehiNet Broadband ADSL in August 2002.

To encourage more customers to benefit from the potential of the Internet, DhivehiNet tariffs were reduced three times over the last 12 months and special incentives are offered to schools and to private parties who wish to open public Internet access points outside Male'.

In addition to new services and tariff reductions, Dhiraagu network and systems were continuously enhanced and upgraded to expand the service and to ensure that a very high quality of service is offered to customers.

Over the last year we have also made major improvements to how we manage and support customers. Highlights include the introduction of a single free number (123) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for customers to contact Dhiraagu with all queries; the opening of the more spacious Customer Front Office and the opening of the Dhiraagu Customer Service Centre.

Dhiraagu CEO, Ismail Waheed said, "When I reflect back on the achievements over the last 12 months, it is evident that we have made very significant progress in the way we serve our customers. I am convinced that our customers have seen a significant improvement in the quality and value of our services.

However, there is more to be done and Dhiraagu is committed to delivering new services, better value for money and enhanced customer service to continually satisfy our customers' needs, whilst contributing towards the development of the Maldives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for giving us constructive feedback, and convey my sincere best wishes on this day."

Customers with any queries can call 123 FREE (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or email [email protected].


Issued by:
Ahmed Shaafiu
Manager Marketing
Phone: 311450